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- Verified Buyer
The House of Hades, which is the second last book before the finale (The Blood of Olympus) has a little something for all types of readers. Action, mythology, humor, romance, sacrifice, war, monsters, it’s all there for your reading pleasure. However, I have to say that it’s not my favorite in the series (so really it would get a 4.5 stars, but that's not an option on goodreads).This franchise started with Percy Jackson. And I think his POV in this book was too few and far between. The book is narrated by almost everyone, but a couple main characters like Nico and Rayna did not narrate. So it did not feel complete. If you’re going to almost get to everyone, do them all or choose a few. I would have preferred a narrower POV selection: Percy, someone from the ship (Hazel preferably), Leo when he gets thrown solo for a while, and Rayna as Camp Jupiter marches on Camp Half-Blood. Maybe even Jason here and there.I really did not get a good feel for Jason in this story, especially since it’s been a year since the last book. I felt his voice was not strong like the other narrators. I liked what he did narrate and how he has realized where his heart belongs (Camp Half-Blood versus Camp Jupiter). It’s a good juxtaposition to Percy, who wants to settle with Annabeth in Camp Jupiter, go to college, and have a life at the camp with other half-bloods (something not offered at Camp Half-Blood *hint, hint, hope for some development*). However, Jason is not as established as Percy and Annabeth or is as unique as Nico, Frank, and Leo, so his personality really does not stick in your head like the other characters. I hope to see a little more from him in the next book beyond being Piper’s boyfriend and the unquestioned leader of the group in Percy’s absence.I highly appreciated the little things that Mr. Riordan included. Percy’s Riptide is actually a functional pen! Who knew? Calypso’s life and (hopefully) hopeful future. “Bob” who comes to realize he’s more than just a titan. There were a lot of side characters and situations that were very fun to read about. I also liked how Percy really had to look at himself and analyze the things he had done, people he had left behind and/or not followed up on, and what it felt like being the human minority in a monster’s domain. I thought this was a huge turning point for Percy’s life. I’m glad he began to see things from the other side of the coin. Things are not always black and white, including titans, giants, and humans. Percy realized the accountability he has to hold for his actions, and I’m glad this was thoroughly explored.One thing I am getting a bit tired of is the stalling technique. I know that gods are fickle and vain and all that, but I have no doubt that Mr. Riordan can come up with another exciting way for the demigods to get out of life-or-death situations. I hope there is a little less of this in the next book, because too many characters seemed to use this plot device in this book. It became noticeable and a bit distracting.So let’s get back to more things I enjoyed about this book. (1) I loved Nico’s revelation. I think it’s great, and I hope he has a stronger voice in the next story. He needs more character development. (2) I loved how the characters on the Argo II became closer. You see them begin to understand each other and help each other more than in the past. They become more of a family than just a group of kids. (3) I liked how Frank began to find confidence in himself especially after his battle on the bridge. His character needed that turning point, and I felt it was well done. (4) The dwarfs were great, especially the mission they were given. (5) The action scenes were awesome. Exciting and charged with cinematic magic! (6) Loved Hazel’s development and her abilities. There is so much potential for her! What she did was very exciting. In this way, Riordan is able to narrate an exciting action sequence without an actual fight. Hazel does not need to pull a sword; she uses her wits to save a situation. I loved that contrast to the other scenes. (7) I really liked the last line. And thank you, Mr. Riordan, for not giving us a pull-your-hair-out cliff-hanger ending! We get a calm before the big battle/storm.That’s just a summary of a few of the many things I enjoyed. There is so much to enjoy about this book. Riordan is a master craftsman when it comes to blending mythology into a modern tale. He creates diverse characters, had a wicked sense of humor, and shines light into dark situations. I love this series and cannot wait until the next book. Sure, it’s not my favorite book he’s written, but it’s still thoroughly enjoyable, intellectually stimulating, and packed with some awesomely heroic moments.
